Blast from the Past

This coming weekend (18th-19th November), Islanders and visitors can find out more about Isle of Wight Hidden Hero, Reverend William Fox, at Dinosaur Isle's Blast from the Past event.

This free, two day event, brings with it a great opportunity to see some of the fossils discovered by our fascinating Hidden hero, Reverend Fox.

Reverend Fox worked with the vicar in Brighstone in the late 1800s and was notorious for his passionate fossil hunting.

The Natural History Museum has over 500 specimens donated by Rev Fox and he has more dinosaurs named after him than any other person in the country.

Meet the experts
Curator of the museum, Dr Martin Munt, said,

“All are welcome and will be able to see the fascinating displays at the museum and meet local ‘prehistory’ enthusiasts. As well as fossil collectors there will also be local archaeologists and metal detector groups showing off their finds.

“A particular highlight this year will be the work of local model maker Andrew Cocks, who has made models for both Dinosaur Isle and other museums – including for the Etches Collection, the museum of Jurassic marine life, which will also be exhibiting on the Sunday.”

There will also be activities including face painting and replica fossils on both days.

Those thinking of furthering their studies will be able to find out about educational opportunities from both the universities of Southampton and Portsmouth.

Evening event
There will also be an extra highlight on Saturday evening at the museum, with talks including on the work of Charles Darwin, by University of Southampton scientist Neil Gosling.

Booking for the talks is essential, tel: 404344.

There will be a small fee for the evening event, which includes food.